When Zion Williamson is on the ground, there’s no debate he’s among the finest younger gamers within the NBA. The issue is that Williamson has been one of many league’s least sturdy gamers since turning into the No. 1 general decide within the 2019 NBA Draft. The fixed drama round Williamson’s availability is reportedly beginning to put on on the New Orleans Pelicans, and there’s a brand new spherical of rumors that the ahead could possibly be traded by the 2023 NBA Draft.
Earlier this week, insider Shams Charania reported that the Pelicans are fascinated by buying and selling up for Scoot Henderson within the NBA Draft. Henderson is anticipated to go both No. 2 general to the Charlotte Hornets, or No. 3 general to the Portland Path Blazers. It will take an enormous commerce chip to get New Orleans that prime within the order, and there’s rising hypothesis that chip could possibly be Williamson.
League insider Marc Stein experiences that the Pelicans “would think about” buying and selling Williamson if it obtained them Henderson. Subscribe to Stein’s publication to learn the complete report:
Stein experiences that the Pelicans are “much less inclined” to incorporate co-star Brandon Ingram in a deal for Henderson. Is {that a} smoke display, or the reality?
Stein additionally reported that each staff within the top-five of the draft aside from the Spurs at No. 1 could possibly be fascinated by buying and selling out. Draft reporter Rafael Barlowe lately talked about that the Houston Rockets, who personal the No. 4 general decide, might have curiosity in Williamson as nicely.
Sure, the Williamson commerce discuss is all speculative proper now, however it’s unimaginable to disregard the smoke round a New Orleans proper now. Right here’s what we all know for positive.
The Pelicans need Scoot Henderson
New Orleans’ curiosity in Henderson is smart. The 19-year-old is an amazing level guard prospect with a blazing first step, the power to play by contact on the rim, and growing chops within the pick-and-roll. There are many draft evaluators who consider Henderson has All-NBA potential.
Along with including a premium younger expertise to the roster, Henderson has one other enchantment to New Orleans: he’s cheaper than a veteran star. NBA rookie contacts are cost-controlled for 4 years, and infrequently signify the very best worth within the league. The Pelicans’ roster is already beginning to get costly, and this could give them some extra respiratory room with the extra punitive luxurious tax punishments within the new CBA coming.
The Pelicans have to commerce into the top-3 to get Henderson
We’ve Henderson going No. 2 to Charlotte in our new mock draft. The consensus opinion in the intervening time is that the Hornets will take Alabama wing Brandon Miller at that spot, however Henderson reportedly impressed Charlotte in his particular person exercise. The one means to make sure a shot at drafting Henderson is to commerce as much as the second decide.
If Henderson falls to 3, the Portland Path Blazers might have curiosity in transferring the decide for a extra established star. Damian Lillard gave this quote after the season:
Damian Lillard: “I haven’t got a lot of an urge for food for constructing with guys 2 and three years away and not likely go after it.”
— Sean Highkin (@highkin) April 9, 2023
It might take quite a bit to maneuver as much as the third decide. ESPN reported “Portland will proceed to discover commerce alternatives till it’s on the clock for this decide, however it appears the staff will likely be happy to pick both Miller or Henderson.”
If New Orleans needs to maneuver Williamson, it must be regarding to different groups
Final time we noticed Williamson play most of a full season, he was among the finest gamers within the NBA. Williamson averaged 27 factors per recreation on absurd 65 p.c true taking pictures within the 2020-2021 season as a 20-year-old. Williamson performed 61 video games that season. He then missed the complete following season with a foot damage, and was restricted to solely 29 video games this previous season due to a hamstring damage. Williamson performed solely 24 video games as a rookie.
Williamson could possibly be an MVP stage participant if he’s in a position to keep wholesome. He’s signed for 5 years. He’s about to show 23 years outdated. That kind of participant doesn’t get traded typically. New Orleans is aware of what kind of participant and employee Williamson is greater than another staff. It’s a purple flag in the event that they need to commerce him.
After all, possibly New Orleans simply likes Henderson that a lot. Personally, I see Williamson as having the next ceiling than Henderson, however that solely issues if he stays on the ground.
A Zion commerce could be the blockbuster deal of the summer season. We will’t wait to see the way it performs out.
